Chapter Five: My Blue Eyes
The evening air was cold, but the fire blazed brightly at the center of camp, bed rolls lining its great sides respectively, keeping the Dwarrow company warm and merry. Narâ had snuck off to greet Khimâ with hushed greetings and a hand full of dried meats she stole off Bombur. The Warg happily accepting anything from his master, he gave her a sloppy tongue lashing, messing her many plaits. She sighed rubbing down her frazzled hair, giving her wolf a stern grunt moving to his backside to remove some of her new wares. Removing several bottles of fine aged wine, she balanced them proficiently clutching several in hand and stuffing two under her arms. She winked at her mount who only cocked his head to the side watching her leave with his large glowing eyes. Narâ stumbled back toward the fire whistling sharply to get the others attention
"Lads look what I found" she cheered playfully holding up a fist containing two bottles of vintage red. She smiled brightly sitting down beside the young hobbit and tossed a bottle across the fire to Kili with a wink "Wine as promised laddie"
"Where did you get that?" Thorin grunted in disapproval, his eyes lingering on the Dwarrowdam's happy twinkling eyes as she bit into the cork and pulled it out with her teeth.
She shrugged "Oh picked it up in Bree, thought it would be a nice surprise for the lads" she said raising the bottle to her lips and taking a hearty swig, she pinched her eyes shut as the flavor exploded over her tongue, it was a dry red wine that had a hint of summer berries. She smacked her lips with satisfaction "Quite good this" she said handing the bottle to Bilbo. The hobbit grabbed the bottle gently and turned it around to inspect the label, something about it oddly familiar, his face split into a happy grin "This is from the Shire, I know this make" he said rubbing his thumb over the imprinted and fine crafted label. He scrunched his brow looking over at the other Dwarrow as they tipped back the shared bottles and drank heartily, blinking back he stuttered "It is rather strong, perhaps you should all limit yourselves to avoid getting drunk".
Dwalin snorted wiping his dark beard with the back of his hand, small dribbles of wine staining it a deep red "Dwarves can handle a little hobbit wine laddie, this is like water compared to dwarvish ale"
Bilbo frowned hand still clutching the bottle as Narâ nudged him playfully "Don't take him to serious lad, this is quite a fine thing, besides dwarvish ale would likely burn your beard off, if you had one of course"
Bilbo twitched his nose and looked down at the bottle in his hands, shrugging to himself he gathered a tin cup and poured himself a small portion, he certainly was no stranger to a glass in the evenings but compared to these dwarves he felt like a small child tasting his first sip. Narâ smiled the corners of her eyes crinkling in delight as the hobbit poured himself some and passed the bottle back to her, she took another mouthful almost spitting it out in laughter as Ori stood up tall and proud and belched louder than she had ever heard before. Dori tutted his younger brother pulling him back down by the wrist scolding him for acting so foolish in front of a lady. Ori turned crimson and shot Narâ an apologetic stare, as his brother boxed his ears. She smirked behind the mouth of the wine bottle at the older Dwarrow, he reminded her of her governesses that were always getting her into trouble for being to 'gruff and impolite'. She took a deep swallow of wine swallowing a bubble of air with it, forcing a loud belch to rumble from her throat. Dori shot his head up to look at her in shock and she burst out in laughter along with Dwalin and Bofur.
"Narâ, you are a lady" Dori hissed trying to remind her to behave as ladies ought too.
She rolled her eyes, passing her bottle to Bifur at her side, nodding as the Dwarrow nodded speaking with hand actions and fast Khuzdul phrases, she blinked letting the words register in her head and chuckled narrowing her eyes at him "izlêl atsuk"
"What is she saying?" Bilbo said nervously as the dam grabbed a fresh bottle from behind her as passed one to Bifur with a smirk "rumshâ" she challenged to with he nodded smugly tilting his bottle back the pair began to chug aggressively.
"Oh, that's easy lad, Bifur here challenged her to a drinking game is all" Bofur supplied with a sniff, totally unfazed that they were currently drinking down an entire bottle at once without coming up for air.
Bilbo looked at the dam mortified, blinking his dark eyes he stared at her throat as she swallowed, her green eyes sparkling mischievously, her pinks dusted pink. "That's absurd surely they cannot drink an entire bottle"
Bofur shrugged "Aye maybe the lassie can't but I know Bifur can" he chuckled looking at his cousin who had wine spilling down his grey and black beard. He looked over at Narâ and snorted the dam was clearly faring better than he thought, she finished the last drop with a smug smile "Ha! Knew I could best ya" she teased as Bifur finished his drink knocking his forehead gently against hers. She blinked at the contact, the metal blade embedded deeply into his forehead scratching her skin, she brushed her fingertips across her forehead and burst out into laugher, clutching her stomach as she wheezed.
"This is normal behavior for dwarves then?" Bilbo muttered swishing his wine in his cup before taking a small sip, his eyes flickering upward to look at Balin who smiled warmly at his companions "That it is laddie, if you ever dine at a dwarven feast you'll see much more of that" he gestured to the dwarrowdam chuckling good naturedly with Bifur and Bofur, a blush forming across her skin as the wine invigorated and intoxicated her.
The dwarves drank for most of the evening, sloshing the wine all over themselves with their boisterous laughter and story telling. Bilbo watched with quiet amusement as he smoked his pipeweed with Gandalf sitting along the edge of camp, the two pairs of eyes crinkled in amusement as the dwarrowdam stood up on shaky legs a huge smile across her face as she stumbled, falling into Bombur. The fat Dwarrow only laughed as she practically bounced off his ample stomach, landing softly on the lush grass beside him. Narâ sat up with a hearty laugh, pointing a finger at Bombur's enormous round stomach "akhamân" she wheezed at it, giggling once more as it jiggled as Bombur bellowed out a laugh of his own. She tried standing once again, the sky spinning above her head as the stars danced playfully, causing her to almost loose her footing again, she threw her arms out and gave a triumphant cheer as she stood straight.
"Sing us a song lass" Dwalin roared, his normally stoic face wide with a grin. The Dwarrow began to chant pounding their fists on the hard ground demanding a song and dwarrowdam shrugged "As you command" she giggled with a little bow.
Oi! What are you doing?
And where are you going?
Your ponies need shoeing
The river is flowing
Ohhhhhhh down here in the valley!
Oi! Will you be staying
Or will you be flying
Yer ponies are straying
The daylight is dying!
Oi! Where are you going
With Beards all a-waggin
No knowing, no knowing
What brings Master Baggins,
And Dwalin or Balin
Down in the valley, ha! Ha!
To fly would be folly
To stay would be jolly
And listen and hark
Till the end o the dark
To my tune, ha! Ha!
She sang proudly, her voice carrying across the camp in a jovial tune, her boots stomping the ground to create a fine melody, she panted out a breath as she finished and bowed low, causing her plaits to flip over her head, the many silver beads twinkling in the firelight. She stood up and hiccupped blushing as loud clapping and cheering came from her companions.
"A fine thing, you are most talented" Balin smiled happily offering his hand to steady the dam as she sat next to him with an ungraceful flop.
She beamed at him and nodded her head, a drunken smile on her face "Many Thanks Master Balin, my brothers always told me I sounded like a barn owl hooting" she slurred.
"Nonsense, lass we all enjoyed your lovely voice aint that right lads" Balin said fixing them with a glare to which they all smiled brightly nodding their heads "Music to my ears Narâ" Kili winked at her raising a bottle in his hand high into the air his own cheeks pink from the wine, a large smile on his face.
"Another lass, sing us another" Bofur suggested happily, his smile infectious.
Narâ scratched her neck in thought "Pfft come now, one of you sing" she said her cheeks heating further at all the attention.
Kili and Fili pouted at her "Please, another" they both gave her big innocent eyes and warm smiles and she bit at her lip with a shrug, singing well into the darkness of night, her voice accompanied by many shouts of laughter and the occasional duo from Bofur as he sang along with her. She unlinked her arm from Bofur as they finished their last duet, struggling on her feet she excused herself and stumbled toward the direction of the ponies her bladder demanding she find a proper secluded bush. She sighed happily with a drunken smile relief instantly washing over her as she stumbled out of the bush properly dressed once again to bump into a drunken Fili who looked up at her with a flushed face and toothy grin
"Sorry lass" he slurred balancing himself against her shoulders as the two burst into a fit of laughter, she pointed toward the bushes "Did you just" she snorted with a laugh as he nodded dumbly "Almost walked in on you" he wheezed out and she threw her head back panting to catch her breath, normally she would be mortified but being so drunk she found the situation quiet hilarious "Don't worry didn't see anything" he smirked throwing an arm around her shoulder pulling her along with him back toward the camp, the two of them laughing as they joined the others.
"Where did you two come from" Bofur said waggling his brows.
Narâ looked at Fili who only grinned mutely causing her to bite her lip to stop from bursting out in laughter. She held her side as it stitched as she tried to catch her breath, Pushing Fili back onto the ground beside her brother she stumbled back to her spot beside Balin, with the grace of a mountain troll she nearly trampled on every toe and finally tripped arms flailing she closed her eyes to welcome the ground when she hit something warm and solid instead. She opened her emerald-coloured eyes to find she was staring at a solid built chest, garbed in fine mail and an expensive dark furred coat. She blinked dragging her eyes upward to meet Thorin's unamused gaze, his blue eyes dark and smoldering as he held her up his arms placed softly on her waist, her palms flat against his chest. She smiled at him cheekily running a hand up to touch his face, staring brazenly into icy blues
Blue eyes, my blue eyes
Will you be mine, oh will you be mine
Come to my chambers drink my sweet wine
Blue eyes, my blue eyes
Mahals might hammer, made thee divine
Blue eyes, my blue eyes
She finished with a hiccup a giddy smile on her face, cheeks ruddy from the wine, eyes glossy from drink, patting his rough cheek, his beard tickling the skin of her palm. She was completely unaware of the rambunctious laughter behind her as the others openly stared at the pair, blinking back a wave of exhaustion she let her weight slump forward resting her forehead on his chest, heaving out a sigh of content. Thorin was absolutely rigid, his back ramrod straight as the dam allowed her weight to rest on him completely, she was a good head shorter than himself, resting comfortably under his chin, the warmth of her body seeping into his. He cleared his throat and gave her a subtle shake, but she had apparently chosen that moment to pass out on him, he swore under his breath and pushed her forward as gently as possible, his ears burning in embarrassment as his companion's wolf whistled and jeered at him. He rolled his eyes at them, and scooped up the dam, her dead weight was surprisingly light as she snored softly, the smell of wine was strong on her breath, each exhale tickling across his neck as he carried her to her bedroll and placed her down, taking a moment to gaze upon her beauty before rounding on his company and shooting them a withering glare as they batted their lashes and blew kisses at him "Enough" he said, his voice sending chills down their spines.
Thorin looked down his nose at them and with no gentleness for his kin demanded they all retire for the evening, colorful Khuzdul words muttered from his lips as they slunk away with guilty expressions.
Narâ woke the next morning with a groan, her head felt as if it had been split with an ax, she sat up and rubbed her temples willing the pain to disappear. She pried open her eyes and frowned it was already daylight, she had slept too long, Mahal forgive her for her foolishness the night before of course it was never wise to drink three bottles of wine alone. She stood up and stretched, walking slowly to the fire to prepare her teas and something fast and hardy that would hopefully settle the knot in her belly. She drank quietly allowing the hot herbal tea to sooth her mind, it was naught but a brief moment when she heard someone clearing their throat next to her. She opened her eyes slowing, hissing as the light burned them and her head pounded like an anvil "What" she snapped rather icily.
She heard more chuckling and felt a body drop beside her knocking into her shoulder "How do you feel blue eyes" Kili teased smirking at the dam as she peaked at him from behind her mug of tea.
Narâ rose a brow in confusion "Blue eyes?" she asked shaking her head thinking it likely some prank or odd name he came up with for her, she didn't understand the joke, she knew for a fact her eyes were green. She blew across the top of the mug and shrugged "Feel like Dwalin put an ax through me skull"
"Dwalin or Thorin" he snickered beside her bumping her shoulder causing her tea to spill down the front of her jerkin.
"Durin's beard, you dolt" she hissed smacking him on the top of the head, as the searing liquid burned her flesh. She set her cup down and pulled the leather jerkin off, allowing the cool morning air to offer aid, she set her eyes back on the young Dwarrow taking in his cheeky grin with a snort "You seem up to no good this morning lad" she huffed giving him a side glance.
Kili held his heart "Why ever would you say that Blue eyes, I am the picture of perfect behaviour"
She snorted drinking the remainder of her tea "I have no idea what that means laddie"
Kili went to open his mouth his chocolate eyes sparkling with mirth when Dwalin and Balin joined them at the fire. Narâ nodded respectively to each of them "Morning" she said gruffly to which Dwalin chuckled
"Oh, didn't sleep well lass" he said mischievously.
She narrowed her eyes and turned to look at the elder brother who shook his head at his brothers' antics "Slept like a babe Master Dwalin, why I'm surprised to find you care at all" she said with a sigh.
"Why im surprised Uncle didn't keep you awake all night" Kili snickered dodging as Balin tossed a bread roll at his head "Shush lad" the white haired Dwarrow scolded.
Narâ looked up at the clear blue skies and muttered under her breath for Mahal to give her strength "Why would Thorin keep me awake lad, wasn't my turn for night watch" she said through gritted teeth, the lad was far to chipper in the early morning and already he had started with his antics.
"I don't know blue eyes why don't you tell me" Kili waggled his brows at her.
She groaned and rubbed her tired eyes, opening them to look at Balin "What is he getting on about"
Balin opened and closed his mouth, unsure how to answer the moody dam "Well lass, you remember singing for us last night?" he asked gently to which she nodded with a shrug "Oh aye" she said still confused. Balin scratched his fine beard and sighed "Well lass, you sang a love song called blue eyes" he waited for her to clue in, but her face was still pinched in confusion "You sang it to Thorin"
Narâ nearly choked on her own spit, coughing wildly to catch her breath "Mahals balls tell me I didn't" she groaned miserably, her cheeks flaming.
Kili nudged her good naturedly "Aye you did, was hilarious, I don't think Uncle has ever had a dam hang onto him like that"
She buried her face in her hands and shook her head pitifully "Please tell me that this is only a jest in poor taste"
"Nope lass, is no joke although it was mighty funny" Dwalin roared out a deep laugh.
Narâ withered and curled into herself wishing the ground would open and swallow her whole as her companions chuckled at her misfortune. Balin cleared his throat "Relax lass, Thorin didn't seem angry in fact he seemed flattered"
"What am I flattered about then" Thorin grunted standing behind the small, gathered dwarves.
Narâ shot to her feet with surprising speed despite her splitting headache she glared openly at the others as they gave her sly grins "Nothing, shall we go then" she said in haste walking to her bedding rolling it haphazardly into a bundle.
Thorin rose a brow at the escaping dwarrowdam, she seemed distressed about something that morning, likely all the wine she consumed but the look on his sister-sons face said otherwise. He felt himself frown crossing his arms over his chest he cleared his throat and leveled Kili with a stern glare "Am I to assume Narâ's poor mood is your doing?"
Kili gave him an innocent smile and shrugged standing up "I have no idea what the matter is with her uncle is, perhaps she did not sleep last night" he said with a coy grin.
Thorin narrowed his eyes and looked down his nose at him, frustration mounting as he could see Kili already up to no good in the early morning.
"How did you sleep uncle" Fili said joining his brother his light blue eyes twinkling and his face a smug smile.
Thorin sighed and rolled his eyes "Fine, now let us leave" he turned shouting to the others to get moving.
Narâ whistled for Khimâ settling herself comfortably on his back she allowed herself to relax, into his soft fur, his warmth and deep breaths lulling her into a half-awake state. She was mortified to discover she had made a complete fool of herself in front of the entire company, she chastised herself for getting close to Thorin let alone practically throwing herself on him. Thank Mahal he was a dwarf with little feeling or else he might have gotten the wrong idea. She groaned pressing her forehead between her Wargs shoulder blades, she wished again to disappear into the white fur for the hundredth time that morning. At least the others had been more forgiving for her performance last night, it would seem only the princes of Durin felt the need to relentlessly tease her.
"How are you feeling Mistress Dwarf?" Bilbo asked in a soft voice, his small pony trotting happily beside Khimâ.
Narâ stretched out comfortably on her mount, turning her head to the side she opened a single jade eye to look at the hobbit, she grunted blowing out a breath "Like I was crushed by an anvil Master Baggins"
Bilbo chuckled "I told you it not wise to drink so much"
She sighed and slowly pulled herself from the comfort of Khimâ's back to sit up properly "Aye that you did lad" she said forlornly.
"Perhaps Oin has something for your headache" Bilbo suggested as the dwarrowdam rubbed her temples to ease her head.
Narâ cracked open an eye and frowned "Perhaps he can also heal my pride lad, made a right fool out of myself I am told"
Bilbo chuckled "No don't say that you have a lovely singing voice"
Narâ smirked at the polite hobbit but shook her head "We both know that's not what I was referring too lad, but I thank you for it"
Bilbo smiled brightly "Well I for one thought it a beautiful song, although I've never heard it before"
She groaned and looked ahead her eyes landing on Thorin as he rode, they had not spoken once since the wee morning, and she was glad for it. She fiddled with the tassets on her furred skirt "Aye don't suspect you would have laddie, it was a song my mother used to sing to my father, I never got the chance to hear her sing it but when he was of a particularly lonesome mood, he would sing it softly to himself when he thought no one listening"
Bilbo frowned as her face fell and a shadow passed over her eyes at the mention of her mother. "She sounds like she was a lovely woman, er dwarrowdam I mean" he said gently.
Narâ nodded blowing out a breath of sorrow "Aye that she was, I'm told I take after her in looks, she too had eyes of green meadows" she said her voice barely audible as she finished.
Bilbo left her alone after that, she looked lost in thought, and he thought it rude to continue conversation when she clearly didn't feel like speaking.
They rode until the light of the sun faded behind the tree line, stopping deep in a lush, wooded area far enough away from the road to remain unseen by any that sought passage. Narâ sat on her Warg and waited for everyone to dismount, walking around camp making themselves busy with setup of camp. She felt the need to ride away perhaps scout ahead and hunt to avoid Thorin but one glance at him and she found him already watching her. He beckoned her close with the flick of his head and she swallowed hard, jumping from Khimâ's back she allowed him to venture off to hunt for himself. She slowly walked across camp to stand before Thorin, an odd sensation swimming in her belly. She was nervous and wrung her fingers together as he opened his mouth to speak "Narâ I have sent Kili and Fili to tend to the horses and to keep watch, perhaps you would like to join them, you have keener eyes that most"
She nodded mutely and spun away to leave when he cleared his throat "Do not let my sister-sons tease you about last night" he said smoothly a slight grin on his face almost hidden by his dark beard.
Narâ nodded meekly her cheeks flamed as she scurried away, so he did hear all the teasing she was subjected too, it seemed to bother him not and she wasn't sure what to think of that.